Going to Pula Croatia is like walking back through ancient Roman times because this charming city is filled with well-persevered ancient ruins that are stunning to behold. From the impressive Pula Arena to the incredible triumphal arch, Pula has a lot of interesting things to see. However, if you are short on time, it can be hard to decide on the best places to visit.
That’s why in this article, we will break down the best things to do in Pula even if you have only one day to explore it.
Getting There and How to Get Around Pula
Pula Croatia is located on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula and is just a 45-minute bus ride south of Rovinj. You can search for the bus departure times and prices on getbybus.com and buses leave nearly every hour. The Pula Arena and all other major attractions are within a 10-minute walk from the bus station. Pula also has its own airport which is just 8 km (5 miles) from the city center.
Once you arrive in the city center, Pula is a very walkable city and all of the major sights are within walking distance, so you should not need to use any Pula city buses or taxis unless you plan on heading to the beach.
Google Maps also gives accurate walking directions in this city, so you can save the locations below to a list to make your own self-guided walking tour. The only incorrect location on Google Maps is the Mosaic of the Punishment of Dirce, so keep reading for our tips on how to find it.
What is Pula Croatia Known For?
Pula is best known for its Roman Arena which is one of the best-preserved in the world. This arena is truly an unforgettable highlight that you must not miss when you are in Istria! There are also several well-preserved Roman artifacts to explore in Pula so if you love history, then Pula is definitely a great destination for you.
We enjoyed visiting Pula as a day trip from Rovinj and can highly recommend it to other travelers who are making their way through the Istria region of Croatia.
See what Pula is like for yourself in our full video travel guide below!
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The Top Things to Do In Pula Croatia
1. The Pula Arena
This Roman arena is a must-see when you are in Pula. Built in the 2nd century A.D., this stadium offers a small museum exhibit and an amazing view of one of the best persevered Roman stadiums in the world. Considering how old the stadium is, it’s amazing to see how intact it is.
This arena is a photographer’s dream as the architecture of the coliseum is beautiful from every angle.
2. The Twin Gate
Not far from the arena are the Twin Gates. These arches used to be part of the city walls that once surrounded Pula, but the old city walls have been torn down over the years due to the city’s expansion and growth. These arches are well preserved and worth a quick stop on your self-guided walking tour.
3. Arch of the Sergii
This arch was built around 27 BC to celebrate the Sergii family’s victory in the battle of Actium. Like the twin arches, this gate used to be part of the city walls as well. Now, only this arch remains as a reminder of this bygone time and its rich history.
4. Forum Square and the Temple of Augustus
At Forum Square, you will see the Temple of Augustus which is a Roman temple built in honor of the Emperor Augustus who was the first Roman emperor. It is believed to have been built between 27 BC and 14 AD. You can pay a small fee to go inside the temple to see a small exhibit of ancient Roman sculptures. The collection is interesting, but it’s not essential to go inside if you are short on time or short of funds. However, it’s definitely worth the time and effort to see the beautiful facade of this temple.
Next to the temple is Pula’s City Hall whose lovely arches are also worth seeing. Forum Square also has a couple of cafes and restaurants so it’s not a bad place to get a coffee while taking in an epically historic view.
5. Mosaic The Punishment of Dirce
This mosaic tile is a real hidden gem in Pula. It was uncovered after the aerial bombings of the Second World War which revealed this beautifully preserved Roman tile floor. The intricate tile work depicts the legend of the punishing of Dirce.
We absolutely loved seeing all the exquisite geometric shapes and designs. However, this attraction can be difficult to find as Google Maps does not have the correct location listed at the time of this writing, so I recommend having a picture of the mosaic tiles handy and showing it to a local who can point you in the right direction. It’s near a park and in between two apartment buildings. It is truly a challenge to find, but definitely worth finding!
6. Fortress Kastel
Fortress Kastel and Zero Strausse are connected to one another, so if you are interested in seeing both, it’s nice to buy your tickets together as it saves you a few euros. We brought the combined ticket and definitely think it’s worth it. You will love the scenic views from the Fortress Tower. It has a lovely view of both the seaport and the arena in the distance. These amazing views of the entire city make Fortress Kastel a must-see when you come to Pula.
7. Zero Strausse
Built in the 1800s, Zero Strauss is an underground tunnel that was used as a bunker in both world wars. You can walk the tunnels to learn about their many different uses over the years. They also have rotating exhibits that they display in the space.
Other Things to See in Pula
If you have more than one day, Pula also has several rocky beaches located 2 km (1.2 miles) outside of the historic city center. During the summer months, you could spend an entire day beach hopping in Pula, enjoying the cool waters of the Adriatic Sea. However the water of the Adriatic.
Pula also has several caves and boat tours that are worth exploring. You will probably not have time to see Pula’s beaches if you are coming just for a day trip. So, if exploring Pula’s waters is important to you then you might want to consider staying in Pula for a couple of nights.
Want even more fun Pula activities? Check out these amazing boat tours below!
Is Pula Croatia Worth Visiting?
We loved our day trip to Pula, and do think that Pula is worth visiting. Pula has a lot of history and beauty to offer the traveler. With that said, we would not recommend going out of your way to visit Pula. Only go if you are going to be in the Istria region and you can easily catch a bus to the city. It’s a city that can really add a lot to your trip. We truly loved our time in Pula and you will too!
Now that you know about Pula, learn even more about these amazing Croatia destinations below!
- Rovinj Croatia, an amazing city just 45 minutes from Pula
- Zagreb, Croatia, Croatia’s capital
- Dubrovnik, Croatia, our favorite place in Croatia
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